NBAA: Blackhawk boosts 350ER performance for Middle East missions

Special mission operators in harsh environments such as the Middle East will benefit from a new modification to the King Air 350ER currently being tested by Texas-based Blackhawk Modifications.

Speaking at NBAA today, chief executive Jim Allmon says the XP67A upgrade will be ready for delivery in the first quarter of 2018.
“The XP67A will provide a 25-30% increase in power, which translates into improved climb and cruise performance for King Air 350ERs especially on hot days at high altitudes,” Allmon says. Although the PT6A-67A will produce a 400 thermodynamic SHP increase over the stock PT6A-60A, the upgrade will actually reduce the overall weight of the aircraft by about 18 pounds.
“This will truly be a game changer, offering increased safety, performance, and mission capability," he says. “We have seen the aircraft operating in places like the Middle East where it is fitted with all sorts of extras. We tested the stock aircraft and know that it takes up to an hour to reach cruise altitude. With the XP67A it will take just 18 minutes and will increase the ability to get out of harm’s way.”
The programme is being developed with Sierra Nevada who will offer it to both US and foreign governments.